Photo Courtesy - Getty Images(PHILADELPHIA) – More than 80 percent of American women ages 25 to 54 do not believe they are at their ideal weight, according to a new survey. The poll, conducted by McNeil Nutritionals and SHAPE Magazine, may also reveal the behavior that leads women to be overweight.

According to the survey, only 17 percent of women consider the nutritional value of food the most important factor in purchasing it. It also revealed that 91 percent of women were unaware that 3,500 calories must be burned in order to lose a pound of fat.

Although a majority of women may not be aware of what it takes to lose weight, more than a third think about their weight at least three times daily, according to the poll.

The most common reason women gave for poor weight habits were stress, demands, family obligations and finances.